Port of Spain North/St Ann's West residents support their MP as PM — Only love in Young's backyard

THE majority of Port of Spain North/St Ann's West constituents, who Newsday spoke to on January 7, had nothing but love and belief in their MP and Energy Minister Stuart Young, as the most suitable candidate to be the next prime minister and political leader of the People's National Movement (PNM).

Newsday visited several areas in Belmont on January 7, to gain insight into Young's contributions and to understand how residents perceive him in the communities he has represented over the last ten years.

Edwin Miller, a resident of Belmont, said Young was a good man.

"I glad for him to be the PM-in-waiting. He was the minister of everything, not so? I think he'll do a good job. Everybody likes Stuart Young."

Floreen Pierre Bucco from Cascade said Dr Rowley knows what he is doing and she trusts the process. "I have no problem with Young being selected and I think he'll make a wonderful PM," she gushed.

She said when Young first became an MP, he held meetings at the Chinese Association every other month to listen to the problems of the people. The people wanted a community centre and we got a community centre.

"He has been a wonderful MP, until he got very busy so his (physical) presence could not be felt as much."

She said though Young's presence was not physical, he has sent people into the community on his behalf.

"There are people on the ground all the time. From the time you say 'X,Y, Z,' he has people working on 'X, Y,Z' for you.

"He's a person who cares and Dr Rowley knows what he is doing."

As MP, Young opened the Belmont Community Centre in May 2022, and the Cascade Community Centre in August 2023.

A business owner on Norfolk Street in Belmont spoke on condition on anonymity. She said she has not interacted with Young as other people would have in that area, but she is keeping an open mind.

"Everybody deserves a chance, you know. And you never know until you give them a try. You can't just judge somebody by the cover."

Asked to outline the qualities she looks for in a PM, she said, "Firstly in times like this, we need someone who prays a lot. It don't have much praying folks these days."

Another Belmont resident who also didn't want to be identified, said she was happy that Young was selected, as he is much younger than most current politicians.

"Stuart Young was always with Rowley from the jump. When Rowley wasn't there recently, he was the acting PM."

She urged the Leader of the Opposition to follow Rowley’s example and step aside to make way for younger blood and fresh, new ideas.

Kenneth Williams from Morvant, who was in the Belmont community at the time of Newsday's visit, said if the PNM's caucus chose Young, then he had to be the best choice.

"For me, I think (Pennelope) Beckles would've been a better option at this time because of her political maturity and stability. Young has had some negative publicity in the recent past."

Williams said the qualities he looks for in a PM is one who is able to have the confidence and support of the majority of the citizens. He added that that person should also have a level of stability.

Asked if Young possessed those qualities, he said, "From what I have seen and heard in the media, I think he still needs maturing, specifically for the position of prime minister."

A business owner on Observatory Street said she too would have preferred Beckles as the next PM and leader of the PNM. She said she wasn't surprised at Young's appointment.

"I would've preferred her, as a woman myself. She's more people-oriented, but I guess they have their reasons which I don't really like."

Asked to elaborate, she said, "Everything is political. They have their reasons for him to be there to do whatever they need for him to do."

She said that a PM needs strength and conviction in decision-making and to have caring traits.

"Young will definitely make decisions. Whether or not you like it, he will make them. Beckles to me is more human, more understanding. I just preferred her."